HOISINGTON — Tanya Marie Piland, 49, died Dec. 20, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan. She was born July 3, 1974, in Flagstaff, Ariz., the daughter of Bill D. and Lora (Zabala) Austin. Tanya graduated from Denver City High School, Denver City, Texas. She later attended Barton Community College.

She married Justin N. Piland on May 15, 2004 in Hoisington, Kan. They were blessed with a son Braydin in 2005. 

Tanya was a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was inducted into the Order of Molly Pitcher which recognizes those individuals who have voluntarily contributed in significant and meaningful ways to the improvement of the Field Artillery Community. Nearly a firecracker, being born so close to the 4th of July, Tanya was always a very patriotic person and loved celebrating it. Tanya was a great cook and used her skill cooking at Clara Barton Hospital, Braums, Larned State Hospital, and Hoisington School District 431. Her heart was always in the kitchen where she loved to cook for everyone, but would also hold you in line with her wooden spoon when needed. Family was important to Tanya and with the onset of her illness loved ones rallied around her taking “Team Tanya- because in this family no one fights alone.” as their motto.

Her family includes her husband Justin Piland of the home; and son, Braydin Piland who is currently attending KU, Lawerence, Kan.; father, Bill D. (Paula) Austin of Lima, Ohio; brother, Bill L. (Margaret) Austin; stepsister, Jessi McWilliams of Lima, Ohio; five nieces and nephews, Felicia Benson, Amber Benson, Taylor Baeza, Justin Austin and Jason Austin; and her extended family, Randy and Rhonda Piland, Cory, Jatim, Logan and Lane Wagner, Betty Hicks, and Dr. Keith and Becky Ritter. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lora Zabala.

Funeral service will be 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Ron Bailey presiding. Family will greet friends just prior to service, starting at 2 p.m. Burial will follow service in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

P.O. Box 146 

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 23, 2023